CAPACITY 2015 is a global partnership mechanism assisting countries to develop the capacity of their professionals, institutions, and systems to formulate and implement strategies for sustainable development to achieve local, national and international development goals. It will work with developing and transitional countries to build and develop their capacity for sustainable development based on proven successes 1.

Sustainable Development Challenges in Europe and the CIS
During the last decade, a profound and complex transformation -- from communism to democratic societies and market-based economies -- has been underway in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The collapse of the socialist regimes during 1989-1990 had far-reaching implications for Central and Eastern Europe’s stable, long-term economic growth. The post-communist transition has been very difficult with a steep social price. Although it has not proceeded in the same way in every country, the post-communist transition poses broadly similar challenges across the region. Most states face acute economic hardship, deepening poverty, rising unemployment and inequity, human insecurity and regional disparities, loss of self-respect and social exclusion. These problems jeopardize their impressive democratic achievements, political stability, security and peace, and prosperity and sustainability.

Effective local development and good local governance will be crucial in addressing these challenges. In many countries, local governments lack capacity, which limits their ability to formulate and implement sound sustainable development strategies. Local governments must be empowered so they can forge enabling environments for effective local development and decentralization. Developing and strengthening local capacity -- capacity to further the transition from communism and the EU’s accession agenda in the region, to foster development and improve livelihoods, and to meet the Millennium Development Goals – is the region’s main development challenge.

Capacity 21 experience in Europe and the CIS
Capacity 21 in Europe and the CIS recognized the challenges and the opportunities offered by the sweeping changes from centrally planned to market-based economies and from totalitarian to democratic regimes. Operating in 12 countries, it has successfully promoted and demonstrated innovations in three main areas:

• Promoting strategic planning for long-term national sustainable development that integrates environmental concerns into sectoral policies and strategies;
• Localizing sustainable development through decentralization and good local governance, supporting Local Agenda 21 activities, and “daily” democracy and public participation;
• Building partnerships and networks among municipalities and between local stakeholders.

It is at the local level where Capacity 21 has achieved its most visible and long-lasting results. It is there that capacity development and successful demonstration projects have changed attitudes and values and empowered communities.

Strategic Framework for Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS

Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will foster an enabling environment for sustainable local development. It will contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals through actions-oriented programmes for building the capacity of communities and nations to meet their post-communist transition and sustainable development challenges.

Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will support a broad range of initiatives, which will catalyze local, national and regional policies. It will be a platform for building partnerships and collective learning, and will provide infrastructure that will enable the effective exchange of information, experience and expertise.

The Programme Components
Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will develop capacity for decentralization and good local governance. It will help:

Create political and legal national frameworks for sustainable local development. Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will help formulate and implement practical strategies for sustainable development, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers and other planning documents; assist in reviewing and revising national and local policies and legislation; and encourage capacity development and training targeted at national and local authorities and decision-makers.

Provide practical support for sustainable development and good governance at the local level. Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will prepare and test a comprehensive methodological approach to creating favorable conditions and formulating and implementing viable local development strategies. It will help to develop capacities of local stakeholders. It will continually improve and upgrade existing national initiatives, and launch new initiatives that promote policy dialogue and partnership among local stakeholders in support of sustainable local development. And, through tailor-made and targeted interventions and innovative approaches, C2105 will help to build partnerships and foster interaction and dialogue among citizens and municipal authorities.

Transfer knowledge and build networks. C2105 Europe and the CIS will develop new country programmes through transfer of knowledge and experience, and will encourage networking within the region and sub-regions.

Programme Implementation

Partnerships
Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will be fully integrated into the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS’s Regional Cooperation Framework. The Regional Programme on Democratic Governance and C2105 will strengthen each other. Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will be a multi-partner platform. Establishing robust, dynamic partnerships within and outside UNDP is critical. UNDP constituencies, civil society organizations, academia, donors and private sector are natural Capacity 2015 alliances.

Country and regional support
Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will provide support at the regional, sub-regional and country level to respond to the diverse set of development needs and challenges facing Europe and the CIS. Regional activities will ensure synergy with the RBEC’s programmes, as well as capacity-development undertakings supported by other partners in the region. All RBEC countries will benefit from Capacity 2015 through transfer of experience and best practices, knowledge acquisition, networking and learning, and cross-border initiatives.

Level of funding
For Capacity 2015’s initial phase, from 2003–2006, USD 3-3.5 million would be required.

Programme timeframe

Initial phase – 2003 – 2006: During the start-up phase, Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will capture, codify, consolidate, and disseminate the lessons learned and best practices derived from Capacity 21; conceptualize new initiatives, build partnerships, networks and mobilize resources; establish regional management and implementation structures; and, put in place monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Second phase – 2007- 2010: Implementing the programme.

Third phase – 2011 – 2015: Contemplating and implementing the exit strategy.

Monitoring and Evaluation
Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will use participatory and proactive monitoring and evaluation approaches that will foster ownership and empowerment of stakeholders and local development actors.

Institutional Arrangements

Regional Steering Committee (RSC)
The RSC will be composed of representatives from Bratislava SURF, RBEC Regional Support Center and Regional Programmes, and Sustainable Development Champions from the region. It will supervise and oversee the implementation of Capacity 2015 regional strategy; approve, monitor and evaluate projects; and, enhance and maintain partnerships. A capacity-development adviser will serve as a secretary to the RSC.

Capacity 2015 Regional Coordination Office
Guided by the RSC, the Regional Coordination Office will coordinate efforts and ensure that the programme is implemented efficiently and effectively.

Regional networks of UNDP Capacity 2015 focal points.

Knowledge network and learning platform that links development partners within and outside UNDP, including Centers of Excellence.

Resource Mobilization

Capacity 2015 Europe and the CIS will mobilize resources from the following partners:

• UNDP core resources (BDP and RBEC) used as seed money and matching funds at the regional and local level;
• Cost-sharing with bilateral donors, program countries, national and international NGOs and foundations, and private sector for programme interventions;
• Cost -sharing with UNDP thematic trust funds;

Footnotes
1. Capacity 2015 builds on the lessons learned through UNDP's extensive capacity development experience including Capacity 21, Local Initiative Facility for the Urban Environment, Public Private Partnerships for the Urban Environment and the Global Environment Facility's Small Grants Programme. For further background on these programmes please consult www.undp.org